DEPARTING CONSULS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 244, 16 October 1939, Page 3

DEPARTING CONSULS

LAST INTERVIEWS CONTRAST IX ATTITI DE SYDNEY, Oct. 2. Two German consular officials, leaving Sydney for the neutral haven of Batavia, gave contrasting farewell messages one full of regret at leaving Australia in such circumstances as Ihe present; the other delivering his message in German at top speed with all the bombastic manner of the N;/.i diplomat. The “nice" farewell was that of Dr. \V. I). Hoops, the German Vice-Con-sul here. He said he left Sydney •‘with a lump in his throat." “Much happier would I have been if I had been able to leave in brighter circumstances." he said. “I have enjoyVl my stay in Australia, and I appreciate the kindness and courtesy 1 met everywhere. Since the outbreak of war 1 have not met any enmity anywhere from Australians, and I am sorry that I have not been able to suy good-bye to my friends. “As I have been here for Iwo years, I have obtained quite a good understanding of the Australian mentality. 1 love their openness and friendliness. Alway.- I have taken a keen interest in tennis matches, swimming and surfing, and in this way I have mot. many of your people in excellent outdoor life. Your fortunate climate, your sport, and open-air life foster Ihe splendid comradeship that you have." Dr. Hoops looked across Sydney Harbour from the dock of the liner on which ho was being interviewed, and said, rather sadly, that perhaps ho would not see it again. It was hard lo toll what lhe future held. He could not discuss the war, for polities and the like were forbidden. The other departing official was Herr E. Ramm, German Consul-Gen-eral in New Zealand. He speaks perfect English, but after greeting reporters seeking an interview, he burst, info German. At his first pause, ho was asked for a translation. Ho replied: “My message i " Then ho broke into Gorman again and kept on speaking after the final “all ashore" gong had sounded and the reporters had made for the gangway. The liner look the last of Gorman consulate officials ft*om Australia and New Zealand. After reaching Batavia, they will await instructions from the German Government.